Date: 2013-10-07
Type of information: Development agreement
Compound: ImmuFact® IMP321
Company: Immutep (France) Eddingpharm (China)
Therapeutic area: Cancer - Oncology
Type agreement: development
commercialisation
manufacturing
production
Action mechanism: IMP321 is an antigen presenting cell (APC) activator. The chemotherapy provides a burst of tumour cell debris and the surrounding APC take up the tumour antigens. IMP321 activates these APC resulting in a long-lasting CD8 T cell response against the tumour. It has completed a Phase I/II clinical trial combined with chemotherapy (chemo-immunotherapy) in first-line metastatic breast cancer. The trial showed that 90 per cent of the 30 patients experienced clinical benefit at six months. In addition, the APC activation observed in the blood was dose-dependent and correlated with the reduction of the tumour mass. IMP321 is a LAG-3Ig fusion protein produced in CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) cells.
Disease: first-line metastatic breast cancer, other first-line metastatic indications
Details: * On October 7, 2013, Immutep, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in immuno-oncology, and Eddingpharm have entered into an agreement regarding the development, commercialization and manufacturing of Immutep’s ImmuFact® IMP321. The agreement grants Eddingpharm exclusive rights to develop and market IMP321 in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Immutep will provide full technical support for the development of the product. Immutep and Eddingpharm plan to develop the product for first-line metastatic breast cancer as well as other first-line metastatic indications.
Like the checkpoint inhibitors that induce tumor regression and extend survival, antigen presenting cell (APC) activators increase the T cell response against tumors by a different but complementary mechanism, which enhances antigen presentation to T cells. IMP321 (a first-in-class APC activator) can be used in combination with first-line chemotherapy or in combination with checkpoint inhibitors.
“Immutep is continuing the development of IMP321 in Europe and the USA. We are in partnering discussions at present.”said John Hawken, CEO.
Immutep has started planning the AIPAC (Active Immunotherapy - PAClitaxel) Phase IIb/III clinical trial in first line metastatic breast cancer, following scientific advice from the EMA. Other trials in other cancers and with other chemotherapies will follow to expand the use of IMP321 in chemo-immunotherapy.
Financial terms: Financial details are undisclosed but include milestone payments and royalties. Burrill Securities acted as financial advisor on this transaction.
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